“Whether we like it or not”: Finland says must keep military ties with ‘Israel’

Finland’s Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said on Monday that the country must maintain long-term defence cooperation with ‘Israel’, even as military ties face criticism and restrictions in parts of Europe.

In a statement from the Finnish Ministry of Defence, Häkkänen said that ‘Israeli’ weapons systems acquired in recent years form a key part of Finland’s defence capabilities.

He specifically cited the David’s Sling air defence system, Gabriel 5 missiles and Spike anti-tank missiles.

Purchasing these systems creates links with ‘Israeli’ suppliers for spare parts, software updates, training and technical support, according to him.

“This fact binds us to cooperation with Israel, whether we like it or not,” Häkkänen said.

The remarks come against a backdrop of growing European debate over arms trade with ‘Israel’ amid the ongoing assault on Gaza.

Human rights groups have urged governments to halt transfers, warning of potential contributions to violations of international law.

Spain has tightened restrictions, while Italy earlier this year suspended the automatic renewal of a defence cooperation agreement.

Finland, by contrast, has continued and expanded its partnership.

Häkkänen noted that ‘Israel’ was identified alongside the United States and South Korea as a key defence materiel partner in Finland’s 2024 Defence Report.

He added that, of Finland’s parliamentary parties, only the Left Alliance has opposed cooperation with ‘Israel’.

The statement follows the quiet extension of a bilateral memorandum of understanding on defence materiel cooperation until 2034, which was approved by Häkkänen in early 2024 and reported by Finnish public broadcaster Yle in late August.

Finland originally proposed the longer 10-year term as the previous five-year arrangement neared expiration.

The memorandum covers research, development and procurement and establishes a joint coordination group that meets at least annually.

Finland has ordered more than €800 million in ‘Israeli’ systems over the past decade, with David’s Sling (purchased in 2023 for more than €300 million under the previous government) as the largest single deal. About 20–23 joint projects are currently underway.

Häkkänen has repeatedly described the arrangements as routine rather than a dramatic policy shift.

“We have cooperation documents with 40 countries, and Israel has long been one of them,” he told Yle earlier.

The ministry did not publicly announce the MoU extension at the time, drawing criticism from opposition parties including the Greens and Left Alliance, who questioned the timing amid the Gaza war and its serious violations.

The minister’s latest comments also follow his mid-September working visit to Lebanon and ‘Israel’, where he met ‘Israeli’ Defence Minister Israel Katz, reviewed the David’s Sling system and visited relevant companies.

Opposition figures, including Greens chair Sofia Virta, criticised the trip and signalled a no-confidence motion, arguing it carried political weight.

Häkkänen maintained the visit was necessary to secure the latest technology and updates for systems ordered earlier, describing ministerial-level contact as normal diplomatic practice.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo defended the trip as standard work to ensure delivery of critical capabilities.